Decorating your home for the holidays is one of the best parts of the season. However, you also want to make safety a priority when stringing lights and putting up trees. Whether you’re hosting the children of loved ones or are concerned about the safety of your own kids, these holiday decorating tips can prevent serious injuries from occurring.
Candles set a holiday mood in the home, but they can be deadly if the proper precautions aren’t taken. Candles must only be lit in placers free of flammable materials, such as fabrics and paper. Also, be careful about how close a candle is placed to the tree. Dry tree needles and branches are quite flammable, and it’s relatively easy for the entire tree to go up in flames quickly. Candles should also be extinguished before leaving the room.
When it comes to the tree itself, look for one that is as fresh as possible. The fresher the tree, the lower the fire risk in your home. You can also opt for an artificial tree, which won’t dry out over the course of the holiday season. When choosing an artificial tree, be sure to buy one that has “flame resistant” on the label.
Caution must also be taken when decorating the tree. Bulbs should be checked on lights, with any faulty bulbs being replaced. Other decorations should be chosen carefully, especially if there will be small children in the home. Kids can get hurt on sharp edges on ornaments, while lead paint can cause serious issues if ingested. Any ornaments that are delicate or contain small pieces should be hung out of the reach of small kids.
